Industry would need to work in close collaboration with academia and, given the global threat represented by both asteroids and space debris, also with decision makers in agencies and governments.

Stardust brings together many of the key players in these areas, with backgrounds ranging from mathematical theory to practical engineering implementation, in order to establish a group that is uniquely qualified to prepare the next generation of specialists in asteroids and space debris. Through the implementation of this network at an European level, we are able to expose students to the required multidisciplinary experience that is currently not possible at institutional or national level, and to put them into contact with a much greater number of potential academic, governmental and industrial employers.